buying supplies with your own money

[guest464345]

Hi friends -

I work in a public school that is nearly 100% low-income kids. Public school funding here is 48th out of the 50 states. There's no money for anything, anywhere...which basically means that in wealthier neighborhoods, parents get a list and purchase $200+ dollars of classroom and office supplies at the beginning of the year, apart from what their individual child needs. In schools like mine, not so much.

Our teachers typically spend at least a couple hundred bucks of their own money, or sometimes considerably more, on basic supplies for their classroom (adding insult to injury, since their salaries are low).

The budget for the school health office is zero. Our resourceful administrative assistant pirated $200 from her office supply budget so I could get basic supplies from the district warehouse in September. I brought my own manual BP cuff, pulse ox, and thermometer to the office since it's out of the question to pay $300 to replace the battery and re-calibrate our Welch Allyn rolling unit. I regularly find myself picking up cough drops, disinfectant wipes, snacks, etc for school when I'm out doing my own shopping.

Do others face this issue? In a seemingly bottomless pit of needs, where do you draw the line? No one's going to die for lack of a cough drop, for sure. But there are some basic things that make my work life easier (like the organizer bags I purchased for storing medications) - sometimes I'd just rather have them than not, and I'm not going to get them any other way.

[OldDude]

You are THE example of why nurses are the most trusted profession. I have a budget for my clinic supplies. You don’t. But you personally advocate for “your kids” and it makes me smile. God is watching you!! PM me with your contact information and I will gladly contribute!! Amen!

[CanIcallmymom, BSN, RN]

Wow! I can't imagine having a budget of zero. I thought my $1000 budget was puny but now I am insanely grateful! Just remember what you buy goes with you. The only thing I have purchased for my office was a microwave, and I will take that if I ever leave here.

Our school sends a newsletter out each week, and I am always including things I need on there. I always put bandaids, tissues, feminine hygiene products, small water bottles, and stuff like that on there. I have had a few parents donate this year, but the ones who have usually donate a substantial amount. Sure, these are things I can purchase with the budget, but I'd rather have some extra to buy new equipment or products to improve the clinic.

I agree with OldDude. You are an amazing example of what makes a nurse--A NURSE.

[Amethya]

I wish you luck OP. I had a bit of a similar spot when I first started, but I still had a budget. There was a few things my office still needed and the school couldn't provide. I know it's a long shot, but do you have a PTO? They can be extremely helpful!

[Keeperofbandages, LPN]

I have been very lucky with my current school, Parents donate supplies that I put in the newsletter, or will drop ship health items from staples such as cleaning wipes, bandages, tissues, zip locs, etc. Sometimes I do catch myself buying items for my office such as paper towels, or organizer bins for my meds and drawers. Thankfully tho, I have a supportive admin who I can go to with I need xyz and they make it happen. My previous school was pulling teeth to get simple items like paper clips or staples.... I feel very blessed to have found my new school.

[iggywench, BSN, RN]

I am fortunate that I receive a $600 budget from my school each year to buy medical supplies for my 1100 students. My PTO bought me an ice maker a couple of years ago, and my assistant purchased a microwave. Occasionally, we are able to get some office supplies or cases of water from our school secretary, but I generally have to purchase snacks, water, office supplies, decorations, and cleaning supplies on my own. We have a Communities in Schools representative who gives us donations of feminine hygiene supplies, hygiene packs, underwear, and socks. We are not allowed to stock cough drops or any kind of OTC meds; those have to be provided by the parents. I always say that I am lucky to be able to afford to have my job!

[EnoughWithTheIce]

Wow!!!! No budget at all. That is awful for you as the nurse and those poor kids.

I agree with other posters. Take those things that you have bought out of your own pocket with you if you ever leave.

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

THIS is why I wish school nurses could have pages on donorschoose.com.... It's AMAZING for the teachers. We have several classrooms with pages up and several have had entire initiatives funded by local and non-local funders.

I know I personally cannot currently afford to contribute to my health office, but I'm honestly worried I will run out of bandaids and thermometer probe covers this year. I luckily have other nurses to borrow from, and a backup temporal thermometer that I can sanitize easily (though I hate them).

Good luck!

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

Wow! I can't imagine that the nursing budget is literally just for your salary. The expect you to just magically do everything but supply you with nothing!?

You have a heart of gold for not only staying there, but utilizing your own finances to supply your office.

[SaltineQueen]

Have you tried reaching out to your local fire/EMS to see if they could help with basic first aid supplies? Or try reaching out to local service clubs like Kiwanis, Exchange Club, Lions, etc.

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Wow I cant imagine!

I am able to get most things i need, but I still buy a lot of the "extra" stuff (wipes, zip lock bags, kids underwear, Lysol spray...etc..).

Can you reach out to local doctors office or hospital? Or ask your PTO (if you have one) to supply some things?

[T-ROD, LPN]

Oh gosh! I have a very grateful district and our school clubs (PTO) are great here.

With that though I have purchased almost all of my "office" related things that I feel make my job easier. Once my mass purchases for the year are done I typically purchase the little things, wipes, snacks, reward gifts, that such stuff with my own money. It is easier than writing up a rec form.

Check into your local organizations and see if they offer any programs. Our local electric company provides an abundance of items monthly for me. Lions club are always great resources! Also check like the local health dept. They will sometimes update their items and you can get a lot of good things that way.

Bless you for all you do!!!!!!!